In friendships, we make hints instead of asking for what we need, and when people fail to figure it out, we claim we lack social support and community.

In romantic relationships, we expect our partners to read between the lines, and when they fail that test, we make claims that they don’t care about us.

In professional settings, we struggle to name our boundaries or advocate for our needs. Then we create a story that the people we work with are difficult, when it’s really us being difficult by not speaking up.

There is a price that you pay when you choose emotional silence. You will feel lonely even when surrounded by people if no one knows what’s actually happening inside you. You will feel resentful if you keep giving from an empty cup, and never say, “I need help.” You will feel chronic agitation when you continuously perform at being okay, instead of saying, “I’m really hurt by something you did.” – Minaa